Reduce the ratio 18:12 to lowest terms.

Reduce the ratio 18:12 to lowest terms.

• A. 9:6
• B. 6:4
• C. 12:8
• D. 3:2

Answer: (D)

To reduce a ratio, divide both terms by their greatest common factor. Here, 18 and 12 share a greatest common factor of 6. Dividing both by 6 gives 3 and 2, so the lowest-term ratio is 3:2. Since 3 and 2 have no common divisor other than 1, it can’t be simplified further. Other forms like 9:6, 6:4, or 12:8 are just multiples of the same ratio and can be reduced to 3:2.

To reduce a ratio, divide both terms by their greatest common factor. Here, 18 and 12 share a greatest common factor of 6. Dividing both by 6 gives 3 and 2, so the lowest-term ratio is 3:2. Since 3 and 2 have no common divisor other than 1, it can’t be simplified further. Other forms like 9:6, 6:4, or 12:8 are just multiples of the same ratio and can be reduced to 3:2.